About the Song
When Paul McCartney released his self-titled debut solo album in 1970, it was a raw, intimate affair, largely recorded in his home studio. One of the standout tracks, “Maybe I’m Amazed,” was a heartfelt ballad dedicated to his wife Linda, showcasing his vulnerability and awe at their love. While McCartney’s original was a tender piano-driven expression, it wasn’t released as a single. Enter The Faces, the raucous rock and roll band born from the ashes of The Small Faces. Known for their boozy, bluesy swagger and the charismatic Rod Stewart at the helm, they took on “Maybe I’m Amazed” that same year, injecting it with a raw energy that was utterly their own.
The Faces’ version, featured on their 1971 album Long Player, is a fascinating study in contrasts. Where McCartney’s original was delicate and introspective, The Faces crank up the volume and the tempo. Ronnie Wood’s guitar snarls and bites, Ian McLagan’s keyboards add a swirling, psychedelic texture, and Kenney Jones’ drums provide a powerful driving force. And then there’s Rod Stewart’s vocals. With his signature rasp and soulful delivery, he transforms the song into a passionate plea, imbuing it with a raw sexuality that was absent from McCartney’s more restrained performance.
It’s important to remember the context in which The Faces operated. This was the era of rock and roll excess, of live performances fueled by alcohol and a sense of rebellious abandon. The Faces embodied this spirit, and their version of “Maybe I’m Amazed” reflects that. It’s a performance that’s loose, live-wire and full of improvisational energy. They stretch out the song’s structure, allowing for extended instrumental breaks and showcasing the individual talents of each band member.
While some purists might scoff at The Faces’ reinterpretation of McCartney’s ballad, their version is a testament to the power of interpretation in music. They take the song’s core emotional essence—the overwhelming feeling of being amazed by love—and filter it through their own unique musical lens. The result is a raw, powerful and undeniably Faces-ian take on a classic track, demonstrating how a song can be reimagined and reborn in the hands of different artists. It’s a testament to the enduring power of great songwriting, and a reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected interpretations can be the most revealing.